Michelman Provides Sizing Support for FibreCoat’s Basalt Fiber

Michelman, a global developer of advanced materials, has collaborated with FibreCoat, a high-performance materials company based in Aachen, Germany, to support the launch of FibreCoat’s aluminumcoated basalt fiber.

This new fiber, AluCoat, was developed by FibreCoat to address the need for lightweight, conductive materials in applications such as electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio-frequency interference (RFI) shielding, as well as thermal management for electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and energy storage.

Michelman’s Hydrosize ® fiber sizing technology plays a critical role in enhancing the performance and processability of FibreCoat’s fiber for composite manufacturing. FibreCoat’s patented aluminum-coating process partially or fully coats basalt fibers, combining the material’s mechanical properties with aluminum conductivity. By integrating Michelman’s Hydrosize ® fiber sizing, the aluminum-coated fibers achieve key performance attributes necessary for reliable composite applications.

Michelman’s sizing helps form stable fiber bundles, reducing fuzz and maintaining fiber integrity during processing, and supports weavability, making continuous fibers more spreadable. Additionally, the sizing ensures compatibility with the resin systems, and balances compatibility between the aluminum and basalt surfaces on the fiber. www.michelman.com

Acme Mills Unveils “Natura” Bio-Based PLA Fabrics

Acme Mills Company, a global leader in textile innovation, recently introduced Natura, its groundbreaking line of bio-based polylactic acid (PLA) fabrics. Designed to replace petroleum-based nonwovens such as PET, PP, and nylon, Natura represents a revolutionary step toward reducing environmental impact without compromising performance or quality.

The Natura product line includes a diverse range of PLA fabric types, such as spunbond nonwovens, needled felts, hydroentangled, and melt-blown textiles. These innovative materials are tailored to meet the demands of industries including food and beverage, packaging, automotive, furniture, healthcare, and filtration.

“Natura is more than just a product line; it’s a testament to our commitment to innovation and sustainability,” said Matt Utley, Chief of Strategy. “By offering a bio-based alternative to petroleum-based textiles, we are empowering industries to make environmentally responsible choices without sacrificing performance.”

Natura fabrics are crafted from renewable resources such as corn starch and sugarcane, and they are biodegradable under industrial composting conditions. Drawing from sustainability insights by industry leaders like NatureWorks, Natura fabrics significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel consumption compared to traditional plastics. www.acmemills.com